Abstract: An apparatus and method for conveying and discharging bulk material including a material feed hopper, a screw conveyor, a transition area and a rotary air valve. The feed hopper is divided by a diverter which distributes feed material into the two ends of a trough having a converging screw conveyor. The converging screw conveyor distributes feed material into a transitional holding area for feeding into a rotary air valve. The rotary air valve has a helical vane design and is equipped with at least one cutting knife to control the amount of bulk material distributed in the pockets between the vanes. A blower provides pressurized air flow into and through the rotary air valve. The pressurized air carries the bulk material from the rotary valve through a conduit to discharge the bulk material at a remote distance.

Abstract: A lead free, cadmium free tin and tin/antimony based solder alloy having a wide melting range for joining copper tubes and brass pipe and fittings. The non-toxic tin based solder composition has a range of 92.5-96.9% tin, 3.0-5.0% copper, 0.1-2.0% nickel and 0.0-5.0% silver. The non-toxic tin/antimony based solder composition has a range of 87.0-92.9% tin, 4.0-6.0% antimony, 3.0-5.0% copper, 0.0-2.0% nickel and 0.0-0.5% silver and is especially suited for plumbing applications having tight loose fitting solder joints which are exposed to potable water.

Abstract: A low temperature, lead-free, cadmium-free solder for joining metals, primarily copper tube or brass pipe and fittings. The solder composition, being free of lead and other known toxic metals, has a composition range of 0.5-4.0% antimony, 0.5-4.0% zinc, 0.5-2.0% silver and 90.0-98.5% tin, is especially adaptable for plumbing applications where solder joints are exposed to potable water.